How Physicians Can Thrive in the Business of Medicine

Physicians are navigating significant changes in how care is paid for and delivered. In this Doctors Eyes Only episode, Vestia Partner and CEO Lauren Oschman, CFP®, CDFA®, talks with Ian M. Thompson III, MD, MBA, a third-generation urologist and founder of Urology Locums, about the business mechanics behind medicine. They discuss why understanding RVUs, the Medicare physician fee schedule, and the split between professional fees and facility fees is important for maintaining autonomy, income stability, and quality patient care.

The conversation covers financial planning for physicians and wealth management for doctors, including the tradeoffs among hospital employment, private practice, and private equity. They also discuss aligning incentives with patient care, managing overhead, and using models like direct primary care to support access and sustainability. Additional topics include physician advocacy, contract strategy, innovation in practice structure, and physician retirement planning with a long-term focus and greater control.

For physicians who want to better understand the financial and operational systems that shape their work, this episode provides a clear look at the business of medicine and how to connect career decisions with Wealth That Matters®.